RVs for 2004

Dynamax Grand Sport
You want a real truck under your Class C coach? The Dynamax Grand Sport comes on a Freightliner chassis with either Cat C-12 or Mercedes-Benz MBE4000 and automatic. If the nice interior, 450-plus horsepower, more than 1200 pound-feet of torque, and 10 mpg don't impress you, consider its towing ability and 40,000-pound GCWR.

Rexhall T-Rex
The T-Rex line from Rexhall is the first series of motorhomes with almost full-length side slides. This makes for vast space once the slides are open and some interesting door arrangements with slides in. Expected on gasoline and diesel-pusher Class A motorhomes, full-length slides like these may be the next step in enlargements.

Fleetwood Triumph
At 38 feet and beyond the abilities of most pickup trucks, Fleetwood's Triumph 365BSQS fifth wheel sports a U-shaped kitchen, optional king-size bed, fully self-contained bath, spacious lounging for six, and up to two fireplaces. See what we mean about residential?

Qwest Baja
The Qwest Baja from Jayco is a lightweight camping trailer you could pull behind a compact or midsize SUV or pickup and take off paved roadways, away from the crowds. You'll need to plan carefully with fresh water, but shelter won't be a problem.

Aliner Avan Ray
The Avan Ray 15-footer comes from Australia, another example of well-done packaging, although it's undecided if the Aliner company will be importing and modifying them to U.S. systems standards. It won't be cheap, but it might be worth your vote.

Chinook Baja
The Mercedes turbodiesel-powered Sprinter Westfalia offers superb packaging, getting a kitchen, bath, and beds for four into a box about 20 feet long--it's narrower than a full-size pickup and able to achieve over 20 mpg. German build and efficiency, and potential second-car use starts around $80,000.